As an Orthodox Jewish feminist, Ihave a foot in two worlds. “What comes first, though?” someone once asked me.“Are you a feminist who happens to be a Jew or a Jew who happens to be afeminist?” I responded that I am both; I can’t choose which is more importantto me, my religion or feminism. They are equal parts of my identity. It can,however, complicate who I support politically. The only candidate I’veencountered so far that meets all of my criteria is Debbie Wasserman Schultz,and I would definitely back her if she ran for president.The Middle East Crisis willdefinitely be a deciding factor in the 2012 presidential election. As a Jew, Israel is very close to my heart, and I willonly back a candidate who supports Israel with every fiber of his/herbeing. Debbie Wasserman Schultz states emphatically on her website that she is“a staunch supporter of the State of Israel and her citizens’ right to live inpeace and security.” Many politicians, especially liberals, criticize Israel, but Wasserman Schultz understands that Israel and America have a symbioticrelationship that must be valued. She also knows that it is possible to havepeace in the Middle East; however, both theIsraelis and Palestinians have to be truly willing to make honest negotiations.
While it doesn’t look likewomen’s issues will be a major aspect of the upcoming election, it is veryimportant to me personally. As a woman, feminist, and human, I will only supporta candidate who wholeheartedly believes that women deserve equal rights. WassermanSchultz advocates for equality in the workplace, and voted for the PaycheckFairness Act.
As a female, I closely analyzecandidates’ opinions on women’s health. Reproductive rights are the core of anytruly feminist candidate, and Wasserman Schultz fits the bill: she supportswomen’s right to have access to birth control, and is pro-choice. Because I amJewish, breast cancer awareness is especially important to me; the risk ofcontracting the illness is 32% higher for Jewish women than those of thegeneral population. Wasserman Schultz is a breast cancer survivor who hassupported legislation that educates girls and women about their bodies,especially regarding breast health and early detection.
She also supports gay marriageand wants the Defense of Marriage Act repealed. LGBTQ rights are extremelyimportant to me, since I believe that every human being deserves the sametreatment under the law. I spent numerous hours campaigning for the passage ofthe gay marriage bill in New York,and I will happily back a candidate who supports it, too.
Debbie Wasserman Schultzrepresents everything that I’m looking for in a presidential candidate:pro-Israel, pro-women’s health, pro-choice, and pro-LGBTQ rights. I know it’san odd grouping of political positions, but I’ve always been a little unusualin my views. I know that Wasserman Schultz isn’t running for president any timesoon, but I look forward to the day that she does.
